Question

The sum of three consecutive numbers is 84. Write and solve a math expression in terms of n for the smallest of the three numbers. Include parentheses.

Answer 1

Answer:  Required expression :  $(n-1)+n+(n+1)=84$

Smallest number = 27

Step-by-step explanation:

Let the three consecutive number be n-1 , n , n+1 .

Since , the sum of three consecutive numbers is 84.

$\Rightarrow\ (n-1)+n+(n+1)=84$

Remove parenthesis

$n-1+n+n+1=84$

Simplify

$3n=84$

Divide both sides by 3, we get

$n=28$

That means the three consecutive numbers would be (28-1) , 28 , (28+1)

i.e. 27 , 28 , 29.

Hence, the smallest number is 27.